Responder Resilience

Audio Episodes (Click Thumbnail for Video Version)

Dec. 25, 2024

Responder Retirement: Navigating Life 2.0 (Part 1) | S4 E52

By popular demand, we’re thrilled to bring back this powerful episode as an encore! In Part 1 of this two-part mini-documentary, Responder Resilience delves into the pivotal topic of first responder retirement. With insights from a distinguished panel of 21 retired or active first responders and re…
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Responder Retirement: Navigating Life 2.0 (Part 1) | S4 E52
Dec. 18, 2024

Dena Ali—Finding “Hope Out of Darkness” | S4 E51

Join us for an enlightening episode as we speak with Battalion Chief Dena Ali, the Program Manager for Behavioral Health at the First Responder Center for Excellence. In this discussion, we explore her groundbreaking new book, *Hope Out of Darkness: A Guide to First Responder Mental Wellness*.
Guest: Dena Ali
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Dena Ali—Finding “Hope Out of Darkness” | S4 E51
Dec. 11, 2024

Kristina Moon—Coping with Loss in the Line of Duty | S4 E50

We welcome Kristina Moon, President of the Billy Moon Foundation, to discuss organ donation and its impact on first responders and their families. Kristina shares her journey through grief and how she found healing after the tragic loss of her husband, FDNY firefighter Billy Moon, II.
Guest: Kristina Moon
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Kristina Moon—Coping with Loss in the Line of Duty | S4 E50
Dec. 4, 2024

Cracking the Code: Force Science Explained | S4 E49

In this insightful episode, we engage with Nicole Florisi, M.S., Director of Content and Curriculum at Force Science, to explore the intricacies of human performance and force science in law enforcement. We discuss the nuances of optimizing responder resilience through practical, cutting-edge resea…
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Cracking the Code: Force Science Explained | S4 E49
Nov. 27, 2024

Paul Combs—The Art of Making a Difference | S4 E48

Join us for an insightful conversation featuring Paul Combs, an acclaimed illustrator, cartoonist, and firefighter/EMT. Paul's unique blend of artistry and emergency service expertise offers a distinctive perspective on the critical issues faced by first responders. We'll explore Paul's journey in …
Guest: Paul Combs
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Paul Combs—The Art of Making a Difference | S4 E48
Nov. 20, 2024

Clinician’s Guide to Enhancing Your Practice | S4 E47

In this essential installment of the Clinician's Guide Masterclass, we focus on strategies for clinicians to work effectively with first responders. We will hear from four mental health therapists who have successfully developed practices centered on serving emergency services. Kurt Fuchs, LCSW, Kr…
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Clinician’s Guide to Enhancing Your Practice | S4 E47
Nov. 13, 2024

Chief Tom Dunne—Commanding Chaos with Confidence | S4 E46

In this episode, Deputy Chief Thomas Dunne (FDNY, Ret.) unravels the stressors that grip firefighters and fireground officers on critical calls. Chief Dunne shares secrets to maintaining command presence, and for those stepping into the shoes of Incident Commander, he offers wisdom to lead with con…
Guest: Thomas Dunne
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Chief Tom Dunne—Commanding Chaos with Confidence | S4 E46
Nov. 7, 2024

Clinician’s Guide to Psychological Autopsies with Elizabeth Pol | S4 E45

In this episode of our Clinician Masterclass Series, we explore the sensitive topic of Suicide Psychological Autopsies with Elizabeth Pol, M.A., founder of Resilient Heroes, NFP, and a Chicago Police Officer. Elizabeth discusses the methodologies involved in conducting psychological autopsies, emph…
Guest: Liz Pol
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Clinician’s Guide to Psychological Autopsies with Elizabeth Pol | S4 E45
Oct. 31, 2024

Clinician's Guide To Working with Special Forces with Christopher Ostrander, PhD | S4 E44

In this edition of our Clinicians Guide Masterclass, we shine a spotlight on the world of mental health counseling within the Special Operations Forces community. We sit down with Christopher Ostrander, PhD, the visionary Founder and President of SOF Network, the nation's first and only clinical di…
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Clinician's Guide To Working with Special Forces with Christopher Ostrander, PhD | S4 E44
Oct. 23, 2024

Frank Leeb and Billy Goldfeder—Lessons from "30 Fires" | S4 E43

Join us for a special episode as we sit down with Chiefs Billy Goldfeder and Frank Leeb, authors of the groundbreaking book, 30 Fires You Must Know. We revisit one of the most pivotal incidents featured in their book: the 1975 New York Telephone Fire, a landmark event that underscores the severe co…
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Frank Leeb and Billy Goldfeder—Lessons from
Oct. 16, 2024

Jared Vermeulen—The Modern Fire Officer | S4 E42

We sit down with Captain Jared Vermeulen of Boca Raton Fire Rescue to unpack critical components of effective leadership and management within the fire service. Captain Vermeulen shares insights from his book, The Modern Fire Officer, offering a roadmap for cultivating a thriving, supportive enviro…
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Jared Vermeulen—The Modern Fire Officer | S4 E42
Oct. 9, 2024

Vinnie Montez—Law, Order, and Laughter | S4 E41

In this episode, we talk with Vinnie Montez, a retired Colorado Sheriff's Office commander and current Public Information Officer who has made a name for himself as a nationally touring stand-up comedian. Vinnie shares stories from his dual career paths, illustrating how humor has been a valuable t…
Guest: Vinnie Montez
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Vinnie Montez—Law, Order, and Laughter | S4 E41
Oct. 2, 2024

Post-Traumatic Growth: A Journey with Guest Daniel Sundahl | S4 E40

Daniel Sundahl, acclaimed artist and retired paramedic/firefighter, presents "Post-Traumatic Growth—Finding Benefits Within Challenges." He will take us on a visual narrative of resilience and transformation as we view and listen to his personal story of post-traumatic growth. Through a powerful n…
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Post-Traumatic Growth: A Journey with Guest Daniel Sundahl | S4 E40
Sept. 25, 2024

Ryan Dedmon—Shaping the Future of 911 | S4 E39

In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Dedmon, the dedicated Outreach Director for the 911 Training Institute and a retired police dispatcher from Southern California. Ryan is on a mission to help 911 professionals recover from and grow beyond post-traumatic stress. We investigate the pressing staf…
Guest: Ryan Dedmon
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Ryan Dedmon—Shaping the Future of 911 | S4 E39
Sept. 18, 2024

Clinician’s Guide to Working with Firefighters (Pt. 2) | S4 E38

We continue our deep dive for mental health clinicians and savvy first responders into "Clinician’s Guide to Working with Firefighters" with Part 2 featuring Dr. Kristen Wheldon. As the President and Founder of the Fire Service Psychology Association, Dr. Wheldon brings a wealth of experience and …
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Clinician’s Guide to Working with Firefighters (Pt. 2) | S4 E38
Sept. 12, 2024

Lillian Bonsignore—Redefining EMS Leadership in New York | S4 E37

Join us for an enlightening conversation with retired Chief Lillian Bonsignore, a trailblazing 31-year veteran of the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) who served as the FDNY Chief of EMS Operations from 2019-2022, a period that encompassed the harrowing COVID-19 pandemic. As the highest-ranking O…
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Lillian Bonsignore—Redefining EMS Leadership in New York | S4 E37
Sept. 4, 2024

Eric Reynolds—KetoFiveO, Cops and Campers | S4 E36

Join us in this wide-ranging episode as we sit down with Eric Reynolds, a retired Boynton Beach police officer, sports nutritionist, and personal trainer, to explore his remarkable journey. We converse about Eric's transition from law enforcement to health and wellness advocacy. We explore the foun…
Guest: Eric Reynolds
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Eric Reynolds—KetoFiveO, Cops and Campers | S4 E36
Aug. 28, 2024

Clinician’s Guide to Police Wellness with Dr. John Violanti | S4 E35

In this information-packed masterclass episode for clinicians and savvy first responders, we sit down with Dr. John M. Violanti, PhD, a Full Research Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health at the University at Buffalo, N.Y. Dr. Violanti brings a wealth of knowledge fro…
Guest: John Violanti
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Clinician’s Guide to Police Wellness with Dr. John Violanti | S4 E35
Aug. 21, 2024

Clinician’s Guide to Working with Firefighters (Pt. 1) | S4 E34

In this installment of our masterclass series for clinicians and savvy first responders, we examine the fine points of working with firefighters. Our guest, Robbie Adler-Tapia, Ph.D., Psychologist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant/Certified Therapist, will guide us through the unique challenges and st…
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Clinician’s Guide to Working with Firefighters (Pt. 1) | S4 E34
Aug. 14, 2024

Kristofor Healey—Stoic Strategies for Success | S4 E33

In this essential episode, we sit down with Kristofor Healey, a former Special Agent renowned for spearheading the largest tele-fraud case in U.S. history. We discuss Healey’s transition from law enforcement to motivational speaking, and how he intertwined his experiences with the timeless wisdom o…
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Kristofor Healey—Stoic Strategies for Success | S4 E33
Aug. 7, 2024

Clinician’s Guide to Working with Veterans | S4 E32

In this masterclass episode for mental health clinicians and savvy first responders, we examine the dynamics of mental health and therapy for military veterans who have transitioned into roles as first responders. Joining us is our resident EMDR trauma therapist Stacy Raymond, PsyD, an expert in me…
Guest: Stacy Raymond
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Clinician’s Guide to Working with Veterans | S4 E32
July 31, 2024

Dr. Tracy Hejmanowski—The Science of Operational Stress | S4 E31

In this episode, we invite you to join us for a profound conversation with Dr. Tracy Hejmanowski, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the visionary Founder of the First Responder Project. Dr. Hejmanowski brings a wealth of experience from her work consulting with multiple Florida Sheriff’s Offices…
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Dr. Tracy Hejmanowski—The Science of Operational Stress | S4 E31
July 24, 2024

Clinician’s Guide to Working with Police | S4 E30

In this episode, we’re diving into what mental health clinicians and therapists need to know about treating law enforcement officers. It's a world where culture, stigma, and trust collide in a high-stakes environment. With us is Sonny Provetto, a powerhouse in the field. He's a Licensed Independent…
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Clinician’s Guide to Working with Police | S4 E30
July 17, 2024

Clinician's Guide to Working with EMS and 911 Personnel | S4 E29

On this special edition of Responder Resilience, we invite you to join an enlightening masterclass tailored for clinicians, featuring trauma therapists Dr. Nicole Navega, PhD, LCSW, and Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW, EMT. With their extensive backgrounds in providing therapy to EMS and 911 emergency profess…
Guest: Nicole Navega
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Clinician's Guide to Working with EMS and 911 Personnel | S4 E29